Choosing a lamp that is the same style as the rest of the room can make a strong statement about that particular style. On the other hand, mixing styles can add an interesting complexity to a room. Contemporary or modern style lamps can be successfully introduced into a traditional setting. Conversely, a traditional style lamp can look very nice in a contemporary or modern setting. However, when mixing styles, it is usually important to make sure that there are some other unifying accessory elements in terms of style.

Antique porcelain lamps can be oil lamps or electric lamps, simply depending on when they were made and for what market. Some of these antique lamps are oil burning lamps. The most commonly recognized antique oil lamps are built with a large globe on the bottom and a smaller globe on top. Most of these are very decorative, with both globes painted, usually with floral designs. Electric antique porcelain lamps are typically of a table lamp style, but are still well known for having painted designs and patterns on one or both globes. There is a wide and varied assortment of antique lamps that can be purchased from ‘Net sites, antique stores, or even (sometimes) at yard or garage sales. These lamps may be oil or electric, plain or fancy, but are almost always high quality, as well as a lovely addition to a room or house.